During his first period class, Josh Thye conducted Desert Vista High School’s top wind ensemble Thursday morning as they worked through a crinkle in the song “Shooting Stars.”

Desert Vista High School’s wind ensemble received a $1,000 award from local radio station 94.5 KOOL FM in partnership with Fulton Homes last week.

Desert Vista High School’s Wind Ensemble is doing its part to live up to the school’s mission of inspiring a community of learning by demonstrating excellence in arts.

Desert Vista High School’s marching band took home its third gold plate last weekend during the Arizona State Marching Band Championships.

Desert Vista’s marching band is gearing up for another award-winning year. This past year, the band clinched its second championship title, leaving both band director Josh Thye and his students hungry for another. The past season marks only the third time Arizona has had a marching band state competition, and the Thunder has only lost the championship the first year it was held in 2009, where they were still awarded the second place trophy.

As divers interred the ashes of fallen soldiers into the USS Arizona, Will Norris stood above water with his brethren and played the Navy hymn, a tribute to the attack on Pearl Harbor that happened 60 years previously.

Before we wave goodbye to 2011 and welcome in another year, here’s a look back at some of the noteworthy stories that happened in and around the Ahwatukee Foothills community.

It's been a one of a kind year for Desert Vista High School.

It's been a one of a kind year for Desert Vista High School.

He has played in front of big crowds before, but his newest honor might lead to his biggest performance yet.

Last year, the Desert Vista High School marching band took second place in the inaugural Arizona State Marching Band Championship. The first place team beat them by four-tenths of a point.

Last year, the Desert Vista High School marching band took second place in the inaugural Arizona State Marching Band Championship. The first place team beat them by four-tenths of a point.

Last year, the Desert Vista High School marching band took second place in the inaugural Arizona State Marching Band Championship. The first place team beat them by four-tenths of a point.